Tourism Employs 14% Of KC Workers

Idaho overnight visitors statewide spent more than $1.8 billion in 2008, and in Kootenai County alone, recreation and tourism employs nearly 14 percent of the work force. To support this growing sector of the region’s economy, University of Idaho Coeur d’Alene is introducing a Recreation and Tourism Speaker Series this October, featuring experts with insights into business, marketing and leadership development within the industry. The series kicks off Wednesday, Oct. 10, from 4 to 5 p.m. at the U-Idaho Harbor Center, 1031 N. Academic Way in Coeur d’Alene, with speaker Jeanne Hofmeister, chief marketing officer for Visit Spokane. Hofmeister is responsible for advertising and strategic marketing of the Spokane region to leisure, group and convention travelers/ Donna Emert , University of Idaho. More here.

Question: We all know that tourists and visitors are important to the local economy. But does that mean we have to enjoy being overwhelmed in the summers?